Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2386CGG-Z

Overview

MP2386CGG-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully integrated, synchronous buck converter delivering 8A continuous output current with 4.5V–24V input range, 700kHz fixed switching frequency, and 105μA quiescent current. It employs adaptive constant-on-time (COT) control and DC auto-tune loop for fast transient response and tight load/line regulation in compact power delivery systems such as security cameras and flat-panel displays.

For engineers reviewing the MP2386CGG-Z datasheet, MP2386CGG-Z pinout, MP2386CGG-Z application, or MP2386CGG-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-11 (2mm×2mm) package, internal low-R_DS(ON) MOSFETs (34mΩ HS / 10mΩ LS), power-good (PG) open-drain output, remote differential sensing capability, and hiccup-mode protection under OCP/UVP/OVP/thermal fault conditions.

Technical Context

The MP2386CGG-Z implements adaptive COT control with internal ramp compensation, enabling stable operation with ceramic output capacitors without external compensation in most designs. Its valley-current-limiting algorithm monitors low-side MOSFET R_DS(ON) to enforce 7–11A cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection.

It integrates dual UVLO (VIN and VCC), 150°C thermal shutdown with 25°C hysteresis, output discharge (40Ω), and PG monitoring of FB voltage within 95–115% V_REF. The DC auto-tune loop dynamically adjusts timing to maintain regulation across line and load variations while supporting remote sense Kelvin connections via AGND.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2386CGG-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-11 (2mm × 2mm, 0.4mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by dot; top marking includes product code "HT", year code "Y", and lot number "LLL".

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck converter applications.

Compared with RT6220AGQW and TPS54821RHLR, MP2386CGG-Z delivers superior light-load efficiency (105μA IQ), integrated PG and remote sense, and smaller 2mm×2mm footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained, autonomous, and thermally sensitive applications like security cameras and portable modems.

Availability

MP2386CGG-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for security camera power supplies, portable XDSL modems, and digital set-top box core rails requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP2386CGG-Z includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs, with over two decades of innovation in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MP2386 belongs to MPS's high-current monolithic buck converter product line, designed specifically for compact, high-efficiency power delivery in space- and thermal-constrained consumer and industrial edge devices.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

The MP2386CGG-Z is stable with POSCAP and ceramic capacitors; typical designs use ≥22μF total output capacitance (e.g., three 10μF X5R 0805s). Lower values may be used with external ramp compensation, but 22μF ensures adequate hold-up time and ripple suppression across 0.01–8A load range.

Can MP2386CGG-Z operate with an input voltage below 4.5V?

No-VIN UVLO rising threshold is 4.35V (min), and operation below 4.5V violates recommended conditions. Attempting sub-UVLO start-up risks erratic behavior or failure to regulate; for lower-input applications, consider MP2318 or MP2338 with 2.5V–6V range.

How does the valley-current limit respond during short-circuit events?

During short-circuit, the valley-current limit triggers cycle-by-cycle, clamping inductor current to ~7–11A. Output voltage collapses, eventually crossing UVP-2 (50% V_REF), forcing hiccup mode-switching stops for ~10ms, then resumes until fault clears or thermal shutdown activates at 150°C.

Is external ramp compensation mandatory for all ceramic-capacitor designs?

No-internal ramp suffices for most ceramic-capacitor configurations. External ramp (1MΩ + 220pF) is needed only if jitter exceeds design tolerance or instability appears in load-transient testing; refer to Figure 9 and Equation (5) in the datasheet for implementation.

What is the maximum allowable thermal pad copper area on the PCB?

No strict maximum exists, but thermal pad must connect to ≥1in² of inner-layer copper pour (2oz) with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, filled or capped). Excessive copper beyond this provides diminishing returns and may impede reflow soldering uniformity in mass production.

Does MP2386CGG-Z support forced PWM mode at light load?

No-it automatically transitions between CCM (PWM) and DCM (skip mode) based on load. Forced PWM is not implemented; light-load efficiency relies on tri-state LS-FET driver and reduced switching frequency, achieving <150μA total input current at 1mA load.

How is the EN pin protected against overvoltage?

EN has absolute maximum rating of 4.5V; exceeding this risks permanent damage. Internal ESD protection (1.8kV HBM) does not guard against sustained overvoltage. Always use resistive divider to clamp EN voltage ≤4.5V-even during input transients-and avoid direct connection to VIN above 4.5V.